A 'pathological liar' and an expletive: Feuds tarnish town's reputation

Political infighting in a small north Jersey town has become so bitter, public insults spewed between opponents sound like a "Real Housewives" episode. Council members have said the mayor is a liar and a "piece of shit," and he's hurled back jabs, calling the council president "reckless" and "oblivious."

The town itself has had two lawsuits filed over the governing body's controversial stances. The mayor faces his own unrelated lawsuit, and an effort to recall him was just launched -- for the second time.

Welcome to Mahwah.

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A group of residents began circulating a petition this month to put a question on the ballot in November to potentially recall Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet. The second recall is just the latest example of controversy that has tarnished the reputation of the small town otherwise known for its expansive parkland and safe neighborhoods.

When reached for comment, Laforet blamed the council for the effort behind his most recent recall.

"I believe they will fail dismally," Laforet said. "I believe all this rhetoric has to be put behind us. I'm not concerned about it in the least. But it's more of the same, which has broadly painted our community in a horrible way. Which I don't believe that it is."

Current Council President Robert Hermansen, one of Laforet's fiercest critics, said he believed the town's reputation had been "destroyed." He said Laforet, whom he called a "pathological liar," was to blame.

This recall effort is only the latest high-profile political back-and-forth of the last several years.

Here's a look at the reported political infighting in Mahwah. Click links to see more on the individual controversies, as reported by NJ Advance Media, Patch, and NorthJersey.com.

VIDMAHWAH

Mahwah's town hall during a contentious council meeting in 2017. (Alexandra Pais)

2011-12

Laforet's first couple of years on the job started with small squabbles, but offered a preview of the tumultuous relationship he would have with the town council in the years to come. He first got into office under unusual circumstances, and quickly butted heads with council members.

Hover over each of the small black dots in the timeline to read more about what happened.

2013

Over the next few years, fights between council members and Laforet seemed to be rooted in policy, rather than personality differences. Both sides did, however, accuse each other of making moves meant to target their opponents' political allies.